September 15th kicked off the national celebration of Latine Heritage month. What began as only a week-long in 1968 expanded to thirty days in 1988. This is a time to recognize the contributions of the American Latine community and the vibrancy they bring to the United States. But how does a celebration of culture expand beyond the month?
Any day of the year, if one ventures downtown Los Angeles to Olvera Street they will always be welcomed into the American Latine community and embrace the rich culture. The block-long narrow street is bustling with friendly street vendors, smells of sizzling taquitos, the sounds of trumpets and guitar strings, and history with every step.
Edward Flores’ great grandparents started the businesses along Olvera Street and he is a fourth-generation owner of Juanita’s Cafe. His infamous beef taquitos and spicy verde sauce are the recipe for sharing Latine heritage to customers of all backgrounds.
Edward Flores: When a large group of Mexicans, Latinos or Hispanics get together, one of the things that we like to do is celebrate with a feast of some sort, and that identifies with all types of different traditional events. I mean, from baptisms to birthdays and weddings, you get a large grouping of people together, and breaking bread is just a wonderful way of socializing.
Many of the vendors along Olvera Street have made this their home for generations and exude pride in their heritage through the products they sell. Michael Mariscal’s family set up shop on Olvera in the 1930s and he is now a six-generation owner. Expect to step into a room colored from floor to ceiling in items like leather goods, religious trinkets, children’s toys, huipil clothing, patterned talavera pottery, and multicolored Mexican blankets.
Michael Mariscal: Day of the Dead season is coming up. That’s our busiest season of the year. So of course, Day of the Dead products and all the traditional party supplies like hats and items that they use for parties.
Across the brick-lined street Rosa Rodriguez happily welcomes shoppers in with her meaningful decor that compliments any Mexican festivity.
Rosa Rodriguez (translated): In this store we sell merchandise that represents Mexican culture, like the Mexican flag, the fan with the colors of the flags, decorative paper banners and traditional Mexican clothing.
While Olvera is best known for its vendors, Mariscal emphasizes that a single month shouldn’t be the only time we celebrate a culture. The American Latine community along Olvera Street unites 365 days a year to keep their heritage alive and positively impact Los Angeles.
Mariscal: Well, we have our events throughout the year and Mexican Independence Day just past, you know, and all our other traditional events. It’s not just Latine Heritage Month. I mean, we’re here all year long doing our thing and taking care of what needs to be done historically and culturally.
Throughout this month in Los Angeles there are plenty of ways to dive into the festivities. You can show appreciation for this culture by attending colorful festivals, visiting historical museums, and treating your taste buds to authentic food.
For Annenberg Media I’m Erika Driscoll.